The pool had been due to open on May 25, but it is still not clear when it will be ready for the public.

In a post on Facebook, the council added: "We have been working to find the causes and fix the problems ever since the significant leaks became clear, when we were making sure the pool was ready for the summer.

"The paddling pool and filtering system are more complex than they may seem, and it takes time to make sure we find the right solution. Even if people are not on site, we are working behind the scenes to make sure the pool is closed for the shortest time possible."

The council plans to test a repair solution over the coming weeks and, if that works, will fix the surface of the pool before deep cleaning it prior to reopening.

Then-mayor Nikki Nelson-Smith at the opening of the paddling pool after its refurbishment in 2016 (Image: Alistair Wilson)

Angry residents took to Facebook to criticise the council for failing to fix the pool before earlier and feared it would not be ready in time for the summer holidays.

One, Joanne Hatley, said: "That's ridiculous, the summer holidays are starting soon. At this rate it won't be fixed till way after the end of summer."

Another resident, Jo Kebbell, said: "It is such a shame with this hot weather, and not long to the school holidays either."